British defense chief in Baghdad to support Iraq's anti-IS efforts

Britain's Defense Minister Michael Fallon arrived in Baghdad to discuss with Iraqi leaders means of lending support to Iraqi security forces in fighting Islamic State (IS) militants, according to a statement issued by the Iraqi Defense Ministry.

In the statement from the ministry, Fallon was received in Baghdad by his Iraqi counterpart Khalid al-Obeidi with both meeting Iraqi top military officials in the ministry building.

During the meeting, Obeidi said that the Iraqi government "looks forward towards a greater role in supporting Iraq at all levels and mobilizing international efforts to fight terrorism," the statement said, adding that "Iraq hopes Britain's army would have a stronger role in supporting Iraq's military efforts whether through the international coalition, or bilateral relations with Iraq."

As for Fallon, he confirmed Britain's readiness to fully support Iraq, as "the Iraqi battle against terrorism is the entire world's battle, represented through Iraq and spearheaded by its first defense line of human values," according to the statement.

He also said that during the coming phase, "Britain will increase its support of Iraqi air forces on the battlefield, along with military engineering and military medical care sectors."

Britain is a member of the U.S.-led coalition and its fleet participated in several airstrikes against IS militants in Iraq, in addition to deploying military advisers to train Iraqi forces. Endit